Daystar University Hosts Carleton University for a Study Abroad Programme

Daystar University Registrar, Dr. Dinah Keino, and faculty members pose for a group photo with Prof. Nduka Otiono and the delegation from Carleton University. The Carleton Study Abroad Programme was hosted in  both Nairobi and Athi River campus from May 4th to 15th, 2026. Photo Credit: Daystar Production Unit

By Timothy Oiro

[Nairobi: 20th May 2026] Recently, from May 4th to 15th, 2026, Daystar University hosted a delegation of 14 students and their Professor from Carleton University Study Abroad Programme, organized by Carleton’s Institute of African Study (IAS).

The programme, hosted by the School of Communication in conjunction with the Directorate of Open and Distance Learning (ODeL), commenced with a highly attended opening reception at the Daystar University Nairobi Campus, bringing together faculty, staff and students from both institutions.

Present in the opening was Daystar University Management led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban Ayiro and the DVC-ARSA, Prof. Samuel Muriithi. The visiting delegates were led by the Director, Institute of African Studies (IAS)- Carleton University, Prof. Nduka Otiono.

Other University academic leaders included the then Associate Dean School of Communication Dr. Emmanuel Wanyonyi who is now Director Graduate School (GS), Director ODeL, Dr. Lydia Radoli, Deputy Director ODeL, Dr. Martin Munyao, Director, DRICE, Dr. Caroline Ayuya-Muaka, and the outgoing Director of Graduate School, Sr. Prof. A.L. Lando.

The collaborative venture themed: Social Movements, Technological Innovation, and Youth Agency in Africa, was curated with an opening day of speeches from the two institutions followed by a week of workshops and field trips for the 14 Carleton and 6 Daystar students. 

Speaking on behalf of the Dean School of Communication, the outgoing Associate Dean (SoC), Dr. Emmanuel Wanyonyi explained that Daystar University’s academic philosophy was anchored on the integration of faith and learning, which helps to shape ethical responsibility in communicators.

He noted that the School of Communication was currently focusing on digital transformation, media ethics, and strategic communication. Dr. Wanyonyi described the visit as a vital intellectual milestone that lays the groundwork for long-term collaborations between the two universities.

The Director ODeL, Dr. Lydia Radoli, who coordinated the Study Abroad Programme on behalf of Daystar University, reified that the workshops and field trips in the 10 days of the programme were designed for both Carleton and Daystar students to engage in deep academic, cultural and social contexts that highlighted the power of social movements, digital platforms and youth agency.

Dr. Radoli pointed out that the Study Abroad programme intertwined with ODeL’s focus on reaching a global clientele through its digital component, serving as a virtual campus, and presenting space for future global virtual engagements with a robust Learning Management System. She emphasized ODeL's commitment to advancing digital pedagogical approaches to further position at Daystar University as a leader in education technologies.

The Director of Carleton University’s Institute of African Studies, Prof. Nduka Otiono, highlighted unique programmes offered at his institution and particularly, the Institute’s commitment to advancing African studies and experiences through the Study Abroad Programme. He placed a strong emphasis on the importance of experiential learning for today’s students.

Supporting this view, the DVC-ARSA Prof. Samuel Muriithi stressed the importance of academic and research traditions in Africa, focusing on education and deep understanding.

The Daystar University Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban Ayiro noted that Daystar and Carleton shared similar principles, particularly as both were non-denominational universities. He pointed out that Daystar’s quality academic programmes in the School of Communication, especially Video Journalism, align well with Carleton’s strengths in social sciences.

Prof. Ayiro called on both institutions to forge closer ties in areas such as student exchange programmes and technology models. He also hinted at the potential for research collaboration, acknowledging Carleton’s significant research output. Throughout his speech, he emphasized the need for ethics, research, and innovations within university partnerships.

Prof. Kivutha Kibwana, a Professor of Law in the Daystar University School of Law, serving as Guest Speaker in the reception, articulated the place of Youth Activism in Kenyan Politics. He discussed how the current generation has shifted from ethnic-based politics toward issue-based politics. This shift is fueled by "GenZs" demanding their rights, he explained.

The presentation also addressed the heavy challenge of unemployment among African youth. In an incisive plenary session, participants discussed how politicians often make empty promises about job creation, but failed to deliver meaningful change, leading many young people to seek better opportunities abroad.

Prof. Kibwana also touched on the problem of corruption in Kenya, noting that despite being the first country to ratify the UN Covention Against Corruption, the issue remained. He highlighted that a vibrant youth agency in Kenya, exemplifying the "Tuko Kadi" initiative which encourages young people to register as voters, and the 2024 GenZ demonstrations, where youth demanded constitutional rule, anti-corruption measures, and protection of digital economies.

The rich programme exposed the students to the School of Communication’s modernized media studios for both electronic and print media. This session allowed participants from both universities to have interactive conversations about youth data storytelling tools and media techniques. The session was facilitated by the HoD, Media Film Studies (MFS), Dr. Anne Anjao, and HoD, Strategic Communication (SToC), Dr. John Bell-Okoye.

The participants also had the chance to learn in outdoor settings through various excursion trips, which included:

• Konza City: On Thursday 8th May, the group took a day trip to Konza Technopolis, a massive 5,000-acre smart city project bordering Makueni, Machakos, and Kajiado counties. They saw firsthand how advanced technology is integrated into the city's foundation.
• Nairobi National Park: On Saturday 9th May, they visited the only national park located within a city.
• Ol Pejeta Conservancy: On Wednesday, May 13th, the group enjoyed a conservation game drive near Nanyuki.
• Nanyuki Town: On Thursday, May 14th, they visited local markets, artisans, and the Equator point. This part of the trip featured storytelling sessions about the Laikipia ecosystem. They also met theatre veteran Keith Peterson at the Karichota retreat, which serves as a creative hub for the Theatre Company of Kenya and a popular spot for artists and nature lovers.

The Study Abroad Programme concluded with a closing ceremony held at the Main Campus Athi River on Friday May 15th, with a live show on Shine FM, tree planting session, and students’ interactions.

The session was immersed in an integration of faith, through a powerful sermon by Athi River Chaplain Rev. Josephat Kimacia, and interludes of choral gospel African musical ensemble from the Daystar University Choir, led by Dr. Jackline Wesonga and Moses Alubala from the School of Arts and Social Sciences (SASS).

The heartfelt session marking the end of a successful and impactful collaboration recorded deep appreciation of Daystar’s hospitality, rich choral ensembles, and affirmation of our strong faith identity.

There were echoes of continued collaboration from speakers led by Director Academic Affairs (DAA) and Ag. University Registrar Dr. Dinah Keino, a call also amplified by the Director DRICE, Dr. Caroline Ayuya-Muaka, Director Carleton Institute of African Studies (IAS), Prof. Nduka Otiono and the Dean, School of Communication, Dr. Daniel Robert Aswani.

The Carleton students were represented by their IAS President Nyabuol Biel, while DUSA Secretary General Mr. Gareth Oseko, and International Students Association of Daystar University (ISADU) President, Mr. David Nvunabandi, spoke on behalf of the Daystar Student leadership.